WHAT IS IT:

This project is aimed at helping with the disparity of living on the street by encouraging people to reach into their pockets, their closets, and cupboards and give what they don’t need and/or want.

 

WHERE/ WHEN:

The active part of this project has ended.

However, this is an ongoing project for K.A.R.E. Power:  we continue to collect items and either donate them to Union Gospel Mission and/or give them to someone in need.

There are people in need everywhere, YOU, too, can be involved:  where we, as a community prove to that people do KARE:  giving even a little can make a difference.  For example, if you see someone on the street, give them something hot to drink.

 

MESSAGE FROM PARYS 

IMAGINE…

Being outside with no coat or shoes, nowhere to warm up if you were wet and cold with nothing to eat!

I was doing a school project where I had to read the newspaper to see what was going on in the community.  While reading, I noticed that many people were upset about all the snow and how they were having and the troubles it caused them.

I started to think about the people living on the street (and how close my family came to being in that situation) and how we always have a warm place to go to after a day of snow, but they have nowhere. For us snow can be fun, but for people on the street it can mean the difference between life and death.

I wanted to make a difference in those peoples lives, I thought we all have things in our closets that we don’t use… why not collect them and give them to people who could really use it.  Giving something as simple as a cup of hot chocolate to someone asking for change, can make more of difference that you know.

Reach into your pocket, your closet, your cupboard…TOGETHER, we have the POWER to make a difference!

 

WHO CAN BE INVOLVED

• Schools (Elementary, Secondary, Public, Private):
  • clubs, classes, departments, staff, students, coaches, councilors, etc
  • Community groups, organizations, programs, etc
  • Sport teams
  • Individuals within the community
  • Anyone with a compassion for others

HOW TO GET INVOLVED?

1.    Be a donor:

Please see below for ideas:

CLOTHING – Examples:

Items may be either new and/or gently used and any size would be appreciated.  For example:

• Jackets
• Boots
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Hats
• Socks
• Any kind of warm clothes

* If you do not have any of the above items, but still want to lend a helping hand, Value Village sells jackets for as little as $4.00 (We’d be happy to go shopping for you).

FOOD – Examples:

Many people do not have enough to eat and would give anything for something hot in the middle of night when there is no access to food or food banks (may be closed).  I think donating items of instant food where hot water can be added from a tap would help:

• Instant soup or any kind of instant food
• Instant hot chocolate
• Tea bags
• Any kind of instant food that can be heated up by just adding hot
• Water
• Travel mugs

OTHER ITEMS – Examples:

• Blankets
• Tarps (to keep people from getting wet or to cover personal
• belonging)
• Pieces of carpet or items to sit on (so people or their pets are not
• sitting on the pavement)
• Hot shots, small pad for inside gloves
• Financial supports – Examples include:  money and gift cards

For many people living on the street, a dog is the only friend and family they have.

• Dog food
• Leashes/collars
• Bowls

2.    Spread the word

a)    Tell your friends, family, co-workers, school mates;

3.    Be a volunteer

a)    Be a Student Liaison

b)   Attend one of monthly meetings

1. Inquire how you can help
2. Get updates and share ideas, etc…

c)    Help to us keep someone warm

1. Go through your closet and ask your family to, too
2. Wash, organize and box clothes, label boxes

4.    Be a sponsor

a)    Donate a little something financially:

i.  Gift cards to be passed on to individuals in need

ii.  Items to help to cover the costs of collecting laundry:  laundry detergent, boxes

iii. Items to cover the costs meetings:  supplies (like duct tape, felts, ink for printing or snacks)

5.    Gather resources

a)    Please send us ideas for resources (karepower@gmail.com) – include:

i.         Name of Organization

ii.         Brief description of Organization (1 – 2 lines max)

iii.         Phone number, Email, Website